More About Dental Crowns

If you bite down on something too hard, have an accident or simply have tooth decay, your dentist and you will need to discuss different options for the repair of your tooth. The option your dentist chooses will depend on the severity of tooth destruction. One of the best options for the repair of a more severely damaged tooth is a dental crown.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are dental repair prosthetics that replace the majority of a patient’s crown. These prosthetics can be fabricated to closely resemble a patient’s natural tooth (although with some materials this is not an option).

Reasons for the Placement of a Dental Crown

There are a few different situations in which a prosthetic crown may need to be placed. One is damage to the tooth in the form of a crack or breakage. This issue can become worse over time—which will in turn lead to the need for a full extraction. Another reason that a patient may need a dental crown is severe tooth decay. If decay has destroyed a large amount of the crown, the only way to repair it may be with a dental cap. Teeth that have root canals will often need to have a crown because the integrity of the tooth is weakened by the root canal.

Another popular reason for the placement of a crown or crowns is the placement of a dental bridge. Dental bridges often involve one of more abutments that hold a pontic (false tooth or set of teeth) in place. These abutments are dental crowns.

Dental Crown Materials

If your dentist has decided that a dental crown is the best replacement option for your needs, they may give you the option of different materials to choose from. These include porcelain-fused to metal, ceramic, gold alloy and metal alloy. Each of these options have their advantages and disadvantages. For instance, porcelain-fused to metal and ceramic crowns can be fabricated to closely mimic the look of a natural tooth. Metal and gold alloys, on the other hand, are very noticeable. The different materials also have differences in cost and durability. Because of this, you should speak with your dentist about which materials are right for your needs and your budget.

Are Dental Crowns Right for Me?

While dental crowns are an excellent option for some patients, they are not the right repair method for all patients. For patients with minor or moderate damage, dental bonding or dental veneers may be the best options. For patients with more severe damage, a dental crown may be the best solution.

It’s important to note that not all damaged teeth can be saved. If a tooth has become too severely damaged, infected or decayed, the only option may be extraction and replacement. That is why it’s extremely important to set up an appointment with your dentist if your tooth has become infected or decayed.

For more information about tooth repair options and whether or not a dental crown is the best option for your needs, set up an appointment with your dentist for a consultation.

Contact  Cary, NC's Wake Dental Care about dental crowns today!

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